Ledgemont Schools superintendent duct-taped to gym wall

Seventh grade students duct tape Ledgemont Schools Superintendent Julie Ramos to the high school gym wall Tuesday as a reward for their class collecting the most money in a campaign drive to benefit United Way.

In October, Ledgemont Schools Superintendent Julie Ramos delivered a tantalizing promise to motivate students in seventh through 12th grades to participate in a campaign drive to benefit United Way.
It worked.
Students brought in loads of pennies along with silver coins filling coffers for the agency. When nickels, dimes and quarters were placed in a competitor’s penny pot their cumulative amount was subtracted from the total, thus providing an advantage for the classes donating the most silver.
So, on Tuesday, Ramos, dressed in Ledgemont spirit gear and perched on a bench with her back against the gym wall, continued to smile as the winning class delighted in positioning long strips of duct tape to her arms, legs and more.
Alivia Long, who brought in a stash of silver coins and helped the seventh grade class come out on top, said the idea of taping the superintendent to the wall was “hilarious” and giggled as classmates edged each other out while seeking to reach Ramos.
“I think it’s an interesting incentive,” said teacher Eric Monty as he sat in the gym’s bleachers watching the sticky action take place. “They could have done something simple like candy or a food prize but the kids tried a little harder with this.”
“I think it’s cool because she’s always the boss of the school and now she’s on the wall,” said student John Slivka.
Brian Pettrey expressed his thoughts on the non-traditional activity.
“I really like Mrs. Ramos,” he said. “But it sure was fun taping her.”
Lori McBurnie, student council adviser and intervention specialist who coordinated the event, doled out the long strips of tape while encouraging students to make their mark.
“Go for the legs!” she shouted.
Donovan Petrowski stepped back during the tacky frenzy, explaining that his strategy was to wait for other students to finish so he could form a well-positioned “X” with his tape.
As the event wound up, Ramos was encased in a layering so thick that it securely held her against the wall as the bench beneath her feet was removed, leaving her suspended above the ground.
The motion led to loud cheers from the audience.
High School Principal Jen Catanese said money raised for United Way has increased over the past three years since fun motivations have been introduced. After last year’s successful campaign, an administrator had the distinct privilege of kissing a cow.
Prior to this year’s event a smiling Ramos expressed only one concern.
“I hope they can get me down,” she said.
Students raised more than $400 for United Way through the Change Wars and proceeds from a pancake breakfast.